Racecourses In Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland offers some of the most exciting, picturesque and unique racecourse experiences found in the United Kingdom. From flat racing to National Hunt, the region has four major racecourses spread across the north of the country: Bellewstown, Down Royal, Downpatrick and Fairyhouse. Bellewstown is located in County Meath and has raced since 1726. Bellewstown hosts eight race days each year, five of which are part of its Flat Racing season, and the other three races occurring during the National Hunt season. Bellewstown also features a huge Victorian Pavilion, which provides majestic views of the course and surrounding hills. Down Royal is the oldest racecourse in Northern Ireland, located in County Down. It hosts seventeen race days in the year, with the majority of them being National Hunt. Down Royal has a strong reputation of both domestic and international racing, with its most famous race being the Silk Cut Chase, a prestigious Grade One (G1) steeplechase. Downpatrick is situated in County Down and has also been racing since 1789. This racecourse is best known for its National Hunt season with feature races such as the Grade One Magners Ulster Derby and the Grade Two Lisburn Hurdle. Finally, Fairyhouse, located at Ratoath in County Meath, is the biggest racecourse in Northern Ireland. Fairyhouse runs both Flat Racing and National Hunt races and hosts nineteen race days in the year, with the Grade One Irish Grand National being the highlight on the calendar. The course is known for its long and testing fences offering some of the most thrilling racing in the region. Northern Ireland provides horse racing enthusiasts with an endless array of racecourse experiences throughout the year. With these four exquisite venues to choose from, racegoers are sure to find something to suit their needs.